Xavi Reacts To Barcelona Forward’s Angry Substitution

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez was not worried after seeing Brazilian forward Raphinha react angrily to being substituted in Sunday’s 1-0 La Liga win over Getafe at the Camp Nou.

The big-money summer signing was in the starting XI for the match and set up Pedri for the only goal of the game on 35 minutes. However, Xavi opted to replace Raphinha in the second half and the Brazilian clearly wasn’t impressed with the decision.

Xavi spoke about the forward after the match and offered his backing to the attacker, making it clear he has no problems with the player being disappointed at being taken off, as reported by L’Esportiu.

“Raphinha assisted the goal. He is being important to the team. Maybe he has to minimize the [ball] losses,” he said. “It’s normal to be upset about change. He works very hard every day to make things work for him.”

The summer signing has admitted he’s found it difficult to adapt to life at Barcelona but is showing signs of improvement. Raphinha has four assists and a goal in his last nine outings for the Catalans in all competitions.

Raphinha’s struggles mean he has also been linked with a move away from Barcelona in the January transfer window, but the Brazilian has hinted that he has no intention of leaving the Camp Nou.

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Xavi Explains Double Substitution

Xavi also spoke about his decision to make two changes at half-time. The coach sent on Jordi Alba and Eric Garcia in defense in place of Alejandro Balde and Andreas Christensen and saw his team keep another clean sheet.

The manager revealed why he had made the double swap: “Balde’s change was a tactical decision. Andreas has minor discomfort in his hamstring, but in principle everyone will be available against Real.”

Xavi will be hoping Christensen does not have a serious problems as the summer signing has been a hit at Barcelona since moving on a free transfer from Premier League side Chelsea.

The Barcelona boss has been quick to praise Christensen this season and has also made him his first-choice center-back alongside Ronald Araujo. The Catalans boast the best backline in La Liga and have conceded just six goals in 17 matches.

Copa del Rey Next For Barcelona

Barca will need their defenders to be at their best as they face a tricky test next time out against an in-form Real Sociedad in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey.

La Real head to the Camp Nou on Wednesday, January 25 on a run of nine consecutive wins, although Barca will be aware they beat the Basque side 4-1 away from home earlier in the season.

Raphinha will be hoping for another start but Xavi has decisions to make in attack. Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, who are both currently serving league suspensions, are both available and could return to the starting XI.

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